It's been a little more than a year since we were stuck with COVD-19, and with all the restrictions in place in a tiny island country like Singapore, it's common for many to feel trapped and stressed. I had the pleasure recently to step into a realm of peace and tranquility while enjoying the brew of black tea (hong cha) at Royal Eternity Teahouse.
It's no secret that tea offers numerous benefits. It refreshes the mind, clears heat within the human body, helps with weight loss, and are full of antioxidants... but what about teahouses?
I would like to think of a teahouse of a place where you get to slow down the space of life with the company of family or friends over a cups of fragrant tea, Chinese instrumental music and the care of the tea host.
At Royal Eternity Teahouse, they offer a selection of space for various needs and if you want to know more, scroll down for more information!
Amenities provided:
1. Air conditioning 2. Projector 3. Wifi 4. Pens & Papers 5. TV Screen & Sound System 6. Tea & Water
7. Cleaners
Things To Note:
• To book the room, a reservation of $50 is required.
• A minimum of 2 hours of booking is required.
• For wedding solemnization, bring your own tea set for Chinese Traditional Tea Ceremony.
• Their store can host up to 100 guests for a venue booking.
• Number of people per room is now reduced as per social distancing measures, if you are hosting an event or a for wedding solemnization, you may contact them to find out more.
Royal Grand Eternity Room
Booking fee: $250/hr, min. 2 hours booking
This Royal Grand Eternity Room can accommodate up to 15 people and is mostly used for business meetings, party and wedding solemnizations. It is the largest room and it has a wine cooler for those who wish to appreciate both tea and wine in this space.
Walking in, I like the European fusion interior with oriental and modern furnishing. The room also carried the scent of dried tea leaves that was placed on the table.
Meeting Room - Center
Booking fee: $160,/hr, min. 2 hours booking
This Meeting Room, located on the second floor, can accommodate up to 5 people with a sofa at the back and sliding wooden doors for privacy. This room can also be used for a cozy intimate wedding solemnization.
Meeting Room
Booking fee: $150,/hr, min. 2 hours booking
This is another Meeting Room, located on the second floor, can accommodate up to 5 people and has the same sliding wooden doors for privacy. This room is mostly used for meetings or a private space to appreciate tea.
Meeting Room
Booking fee: $150,/hr, min. 2 hours booking
This is another Meeting Room, located on the ground floor, can accommodate up to 10 people and has a sofa on the side. This room is used for wedding solemnization, meetings or a private space to appreciate tea.
Royal Eternity Glass Room
Booking fee: $99/hr, min. 2 hours booking
This is Royal Eternity Glass Room, located on the ground floor, can accommodate up to 6 people and has a glass sunroof with warm sunlight brightening up the room. This room is used for wedding solemnization, meetings or a private space to appreciate tea. It also has a Guzheng that the tea host can play as you wind down with tea.
Aside from the rooms, they also do sell the teas that they offer to guest:
Old packaging
• Green tea: made from the new shoots of the tea plant, and are dried and processed by either water removing, rolling, and drying. Traditional green tea has a pale color and a sharp, astringent flavor.
• Yellow tea: produced by allowing damp tea leaves to dry naturally.
It has a distinctive aroma, similar to red tea, but its flavor is closer to green and white teas.
• White tea: unfermented, uncured green tea that has been quickly dried. It is lighter in color than other types of tea with a subtle, delicate flavor.
New packaging
• Oolong tea: unfermented tea made from a blend of green and red teas.It boasts the best flavors and aromatic qualities of both, and claims to aid in fat decomposition and know to be a weight loss aid and a beauty enhancer.
• Black tea: made from the new shoots of tea leaves, which are wilted, rolled, fermented, and dried. The resulting infusion yields a lovely red color and a subtle aromatic fragrance.
• Dark tea: is a kind of post-fermented tea, which undergoes an actual fermentation process aided by bacteria. The whole process comprises six steps: water removing, first-time rolling, heaping, second rolling, baking, and drying.
• Pu'er tea (actually a dark tea): made from a large-leaf variety of a plant growing in a defined area, which is then processed into compressed tea or brick tea with a specified technology.
Price: $168 for a box 12 tins of tea leaves (same type), $58 for a tin of tea leaves
Here's a video of my time spent at Royal Eternity Teahouse:
Tea Drinking Tips
1. Tea oxidizes after brewing, diminishing the nutrients overtime. So it is best to drink tea hot to get the best out of it.
2. Drink tea in moderation. It is possible to upset your stomach and have insomnia if you make the tea too strong. Usually you can mix 4 grams of tea leaves with 250 milliliters to make a cup of tea. An overall amount of 12 - 15 grams of tea leaves is suitable for daily consumption.
3. Do not drink tea soon after or before meals. Otherwise it may quench appetite when your stomach is empty, or cause indigestion when your stomach is full.
4. Do not drink with medication. Tea contains large amount of Tannin, which will react with certain elements in the medicine, thus reduce medical effects. You can drink tea a couple of hours after you take medicine.
5. Green tea is the best option for office workers. Green tea contains catechins that help prevent computer radiation and supplement moisture content of the human body.
This post is sponsored by Royal Eternity Teahouse.
After 3 months, I'm at the last lap of my IDS Skin Journey and to wrap up the whole experience, I am ending off my experience with PicoSure Treatment at IDS.
PicoSure is the world’s first picosecond laser for multiple aesthetic treatment applications.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
PicoSure uses 550-750 picosecond pulse durations to deliver ultra-short bursts of energy to the skin in trillionths of a second, enabling unmatched photomechanical impact or patented PressureWave™.
A picosecond pulse width is 100 times shorter than nanosecond technology, enabling photomechanical impact to shatter targets without injury to the surrounding skin. This unprecedented innovation in laser technology enables the PicoSure laser to clear tattoos and benign pigmented lesions with fewer treatments and improved recovery.
PicoSure’s patented, proprietary FOCUSTM Lens Array makes impressive skin rejuvenation and PicoToning™ possible, with no thermal injury to surrounding tissue downtime and discomfort is minimal.
The 755nm Wavelength has a high affinity for Melanin and a low affinity for hemoglobin, leading to decreased side effects and dyspigmentation.
Benefits:
Revitalise your skin for more youthful looking skin
Treat wrinkles, acne scars and blemishes
Remove pigmented lesions
Remove sunspots or age spots
Remove unwanted tattoos more effectively and less treatments sessions compared to traditional naosecond lasers
Increases collagen and elastin production in skin
Minimal downtime required
STEPS
Step 1: Cleanse Skin
The first step is straight-forwards, I was lead to the room to help my skin cleansed with IDS Skincare Refreshing Cleanser.
Step 2: PicoSure Laser
The laser feels like a series of hot needle picks and there is a slight burning scent. Accompanying the sensation was the cold blast of air from another machine with the help of the assistant, this is really what makes the session bearable. Just a heads up that when that blast of air hits the cheeks, your natural body response will be to close your airways, so take a deep breath before that happens and remain calm.
The treatment was done in 2 different rounds, and for the second round, the intensity of the laser felt more than the first.
Step 3: Serum & Moisturizer Applied
The whole treatment session ended with the application of a serum and Oil-free moisturizer.
Pain Rating: 3/10 for the first round, and 5/10 for the second
Duration of Treatment: 20 mins
Thoughts on the Treatment:
There was a slight tingling sensation after the treatment, that felt like how the skin will feel when it has sunburn. My skin was flushed and felt warm. I was advised to put on a hydrating mask once I'm home and that there might be some dry patches after treatment.
Left: Before PicoSure | Right: After Picosure, slight redness
The redness settled down in 4 hours and the next morning, my skin looked fine and felt dry in certain areas like the sides of my cheeks. Over the next 3days, I had some breakouts on my jaw line and between my brows.
Left: After | Middle: 4 Hours Later | Right: Next Morning
I continued with my routine skincare regime with IDS Skincare products, applied Pore Formula onto the troubled areas and by the 5th day, my skin settled, looked and felt smoother. As I only had 1 session of PicoSure, the improvement is minimal. My skin does appear to be more even in terms of skin tone, my acne scars and pigments are still visible and my pores size are pretty much still the same size.
Overall IDS Skin Journey Experience
I'll be lying if I said that after 3 months with IDS, all my skin woes are gone. The truth is when I observe my Before & After photos... the improvements are hard to spot. So let me share my observation:
Skin is more plumped, as hinted around my eye area. The eye bags are not as deep.
Skin tone is more even, previously my mouth area, side of my eyes and forehead are slightly darker.
Top: After 3 months | Bottom: Before
I still have breakouts and I attribute it to hormonal imbalance mainly because these past 3 months, work has been really stressful and I barely have enough rest. So taking my lifestyle into consideration, I think the fact that my skin condition has been kept at pretty much the same level means that something is going well for it.
Serums, Moisturizers & Sun Protection!
And the fact that people around me have commented that my skin looks better and question what products am I using, is a testament of some improvement as well.
With this being my last visit with IDS, I topped up the products I needed to ensure that my skin continues it's healing journey after the PicoSure treatment. Coincidentally, these products are all my top favourites from IDS Skincare!
I wished the visual evidence had been more obvious but I guess sometimes, this is how healthy skin really is as well. There are ups and downs and while we all wish for a flawless complexion, the healthier approach of Beauty is a skin that reacts to its environment and protects your body from external harm.
I am comfortable with my own skin and in my own eyes, I think my skin condition is ok for someone who has passed the age of 30! Haha!
This review is sponsored, but reviews are based solely on user's experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors.
It's no secret that I've been using IDS Skincare products for 2 months now and my skin has seen some improvement. For my follow up, I went to IDS Aesthetics to test out their Aesthetics treatment service.
Read on for my experience:
Hydro-Therapeutics Treatment (HTT)
This is one facial suited for most and usually the treatment recommended to many. This award-winning treatment works hard through various levels of deep cleansing to remove accumulated dirt, product build-up and clogged sebum that no regular cleanser can.
Benefits:
Crystal clear skin
Unclogged pores
Cellular regeneration
Increase collagen production
Reduced lines and wrinkles
Ideal for: Those who are looking to achieve brighter and clearer skin
Treatment Period: Recommended to do it once a month, 60 mins per session
Price: $198 before GST
STEPS
1. Double cleansing
This step starts off with makeup removal using IDS Skincare Cleansing Milk followed by a double cleanse with Refreshing cleanser.
2. MDX (microdermabrasion)
After cleansing, the therapist got started on the microdermabrasion. She was very gentle and quick with the device. At this point, there is some slight redness to my skin which is normal.
3. Ultrasonic cleansing
After microdermabrasion, my therapist proceed to apply a softener with a brush to soften the white head and blackhead. before running the ultrasonic device over my skin. This step helps to loosen comedones and blackheads off the skin.
4. Extractions
For deeply rooted blemishes and pimples, the therapist extracted them during this step. I like that she was very gentle and communicative to understand my pain threshold. Honestly, it was one of the least painful extractions I've experienced.
5. Ultrasonic penetration of vitamin C
After extractions, the therapist applied a Vitamin C concentrate over my face and used the same Ultrasonic device to deliver the concentrate deep into the skin dermis, this process is called iontophoresis.
6. Mask – whitening, soothing or anti-acne
Due to the redness and soreness after microdermabrasion and extraction, my therapist used a soothing rubber mask for my skin. The cooling mask helped to calm my skin while providing it the hydration it needs.
7. Moisturizer
After 15 minutes, the mask was removed and the therapist applied IDS Skincare Oil-free Moisturizer for my skin.
8. Sunscreen
As I did my treatment late in the evening, this step was skipped. However, do feel assured that if you are getting your treatment done during the day, they will help to apply the correct sunscreen for your face!
VERDICT
I've done a range of facial treatments as a beauty blogger, microdermabrasion and the use of the ultrasonic device aren't something new to me , so the thing that sets this session apart from others is the use of their own in-house products during the session.
Personally, I enjoy using IDS Skincare products as my skin has seen an improvement over these 2 months. I think the ultrasonic cleansing process was made more effective with the use of their softener which resulted in an extraction that was gentle with minimal discomfort.
The treatment downtime period is also minimal, I had a few spots of redness that lasted only for the night. After this treatment, I felt that my skin is smoother with no congestion, my pores appear smaller and my skin looked radiant!
Right: The day after the facial treatment
If you are interested to find out more, head over to IDS Aesthetics for a trial session!
For first-time customers, you get to experience this treatment at just $158 before GST!
This review is sponsored, but reviews are based solely on user's experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors.
Usher in the Ox-picious year with Maison 21G’s luxurious scented gift bundles. Honouring the unique tradition of gift-giving, bespoke Parisian haute perfumery house Maison 21G proudly celebrates the Chinese New Year with an elegant collection of gift bundles!
Use my promo codes to enjoy more during this festive Feburary!
Gift set & product promo code:
M21Gjodulu15 (to enjoy 15% off all products)
All perfume workshop promo code:
M21WSjodulu21(enjoy 21% off all workshops)
The products are available for purchase from 1 February to 16 February on Maison 21G’s website
and at its Singapore boutique and can be shipped to a range of countries worldwide.
The Chinese New Year gift bundles feature a wide range of scented products from Eau de Parfum to the Home Scent collection. Each gift bundle is packed in an elegant gift box, tied with a red ribbon to commemorate the occasion. Make it easier this year to find the perfect gift to show your appreciation.
A light and refreshing dual candle set with the awakening scents of sage and raspberry to start you off right and an Over the Top perfume with the uplifting scents of vetiver.
Include:
Orange Blossom - Vetiver Virtuoso (Perfume: Packed in an elegant and sleek transparent 30ml bottle)
Raspberry Redemption - Sage Supreme (Dual candle: A luxurious dual candle to showcase your signature scent combination in your home)
Candle Holder
VALENTINE’S LOVE ATELIER
Exclusive from 1 February to 15 February, Maison 21G offers four perfumes per couple
through a Bespoke Love Atelier. During this unique experience, couples can concoct their
personalised Day and Night perfumes while sipping on bubbles in the comfort of Maison
A romantic and sensual dual candle set with the alluring scents of rose and vanilla to set the mood and a Love Potion perfume with the enticing scents of amber and oud.
Including:
Rose Ritual - Vanilla Venus (Dual candles: A luxurious dual candle to showcase your signature scent combination in your home)
Amber Affair - Oud Outshine (Perfume: Packed in an elegant and sleek transparent 30ml bottle)
Candle Holder
Love Atelier Perfume Workshop - $350/couple before 21% off
A unique perfume workshop tailored for you and your loved one to feel even closer and connected. Create and personalise your own individual perfumes and explore the different ingredients you like as an individual but also as a couple. After you have found your own scent creations, design the Scent of your Love and discover a perfume creation the encapsulates you as a couple.
This workshop is guided by one of our perfume experts and includes 3 full-sized customised perfume creations (2 tailor-made perfumes for each one of you and 1 collective perfume creation). It generally lasts between 1 and 2 hours and includes 2 glasses of champagne.
Please note that the feature to customise bottle designs is only available at 77 Duxton Road.
To know more about Maison 21G, head over to my post here where I shared about my experience creating my own personalized perfume!
A month ago, Studio 155 reached out to me for this collaboration with Innovative Dermatological Solutions (IDS) to experience the IDS Journey. For this journey, I will be exploring, understanding and using the products and services of the 3 IDS entities namely; IDS Clinic, IDS Aesthetics and IDS Skincare. This journey involves visiting the Aesthetic professionals so that they can assess my skin and prescribe customised products, laser procedures and treatment facials for me to help my skin improve!
If you are like me and you live under a rock, totally clueless about IDS, don't worry. To sum it up, IDS has 3 entities: IDS Clinic, IDS Aesthetics and IDS Skincare, that offer innovative and effective treatments at affordable and reasonable prices, without sacrificing quality and professionalism. Some of the common conditions they tend to are acne & pigmentation, wrinkles & sagging facial skin, fillers & lifting, tattoo removal, hair removal & body sculpting.
My first visit was to their Chic flagship store at International Building for a consultation with Dr Ben Yim. He shared his observation of my current skin conditions and listed the potential treatment I can consider.
A little background on my skin condition and mindset:
I used to have acne which leaves some deep scars on my cheeks
I have skin bumps and uneven skin texture on my cheeks and the areas around my eyes
I have freckles on my nose bridge and pigmentation on my cheeks
I still experience hormonal breakouts and I do get breakouts from wearing mask
My skin type is a combination of oily and normal. I am not into aesthetic procedures that requires surgery and for now, I'm not keen in using fillers or Botox.
So the first step towards a healthier skin for me is skincare products. Dr Ben suggested using their range of products to help unclog and reduce the excess sebum production to combat my oily skin issues. I am to revisit him again in a month with consistent usage of their products which I will touch on below!
The treatment suggested after is to laser off the excess skin growing around my eyes and cheeks. Dr Ben shared that he offered me this treatment suggestion because it will yield the most result for a healthier skin compared to a treatment to work on my deep acne scars. Stay tune for updates on this but for now, let me jump into the range of skincare products from IDS Skincare!
The consultation with Dr Ben was rather quick and straight forward, once we ended our session, I followed the assistant to another area where she shared all about their skincare products with me. It was a detailed session where the assistant explained to me the different types of products and steps to take for my skin.
After the explanation, I got to the dispensary where I got all the products I need for this review!
For the sake of easy reading, I have split my skincare routine review to 2 parts, head here for the second part!
A gentle foaming cleanser that quickly removes light makeup and end-of-the-day residue from the pores with pH-balanced formulation that maintains the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Deep cleansing without stripping skin’s natural protective layer
Supports natural skin cell regeneration
Soothes irritated skin and reduces redness
Contains botanical extracts with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties
This product is ideal for: normal to oily/blemish-prone skin
How to use:
Apply two pumps of this gel cleanser onto the palm of your hand.
Gently rub hands together to form a soft foam, then massage onto damp skin, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse well.
My thoughts on this product:
It's a gentle cleanser that foams up easily, and I like that it doesn't leave my skin feeling tight or uncomfortable after wash.
While it's said to be able to remove makeup, I prefer using their Cleansing Milk first before double cleansing with Refreshing Cleanser. I found that it wasn't very effective in removing the type of makeup I use because I favour makeup that are waterproof and smudge-proof!
I've been using this cleanser everyday, and there's still a little more than 3/4 of it left in the bottle. I believe this 100ml bottle will be able to last me between 3-4 months of usage.
A gentle, milky cleansing lotion that effectively removes makeup, excess sebum, surface dirt and grime, revealing fresh and clean skin. It also consists of ingredients that support blood circulation and provide anti-inflammatory benefits, leaving skin with a touch of comfort.
Contains high levels of linoleic acid and is a source of vitamin E to moisturize and soothe dry skin.
Contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant botanical extracts to help combat redness, environmental stress and soften the skin.
This product is ideal for: all skin types
How to use:
Squeeze 2 to 3 pumps onto the palm of your hand.
Spread and massage over the entire face using circular motions.
Rinse well and follow with a cleanser or toner.
Alternatively, spray mist onto clean cotton pad and gently wipe all over the face and neck
My thoughts on this product:
I use (5 pumps) twice as much as suggested to remove my makeup with this cleanser, anything lesser and I find that it doesn't remove my makeup properly.
I really like using this milk cleanser, I find that it not only gently removes my makeup but also some blackheads and dead skin cells. To double cleanse, I use 1 pump of Refreshing Cleanser after.
I normally use this Cleansing Milk 4 times a week (makeup for work & going out), and there's 3/4 of it left in the bottle. I believe this 100ml bottle will be able to last me between 3-4 months of usage.
This scrub contains ultra-fine crystals and jojoba microbeads that effectively exfoliate dead skin cells and speed up skin turnover. It also helps in clearing out impurities and absorbing excess oil. The result is skin that’s cleaner, more radiant and even-toned as well as soft and smooth to the touch.
Contains jojoba microbeads that are spherical in shape — the edges of the beads are smooth, avoiding microscopic tears on the skin's surface.
This product is ideal for: oily and/or blemish-prone skin
How to use:
After cleansing, apply a small amount to damp face and neck.
Gently massage skin in a circular motion, adding water where necessary.
Rinse thoroughly.
My thoughts:
I was told to use this twice a week, and I foundt hat it helps to clear out impurities. I took a Before & After shot of my nose for comparision, and as you can see from the images, my nose looks less congested.
Left: BEFORE, Right: AFTER
My tip for using this is to be gentle to the skin, don't scrub at the skin like you are trying to remove molds from the wall.
With a month worth of usage, I'm left with 2/3 of the 50ml. So I think this will last me about 3 months per tube.
This product is formulated to give you a matte finish in the morning, while helping to unclog your pores at night. It works hard to soothe inflamed skin, manage sebum secretion and inhibit the formation of blemishes.
This product is ideal for: normal to oily/blemish-prone skin
How to use:
After cleansing, pat dry and spray mist onto face and neck from a distance of about 10 – 15 cm, avoiding directly spraying the eyes, nostrils, lips and earlobes.
Alternatively, spray onto cotton pad and gently wipe all over the face.
Do not use on broken or irritated skin.
My thoughts:
I use a cotton pad with this toner when I have makeup on that day, and I find that it helps to remove any residual makeup I might still have on my skin. Otherwise, I will spritz the toner onto my palms and pat them onto my skin.
I can't really observe its mattifying effects as described but I do find that it helps to calm my skin and to introduce moisture back to the skin after cleansing.
After using this for a month, I'm left with a little more than half of the bottle. So, this will probably last me about 2 months.
This powerful product works to refine pores and reduce blackheads and whiteheads. It minimizes oil production without excessive drying. Formulated with IDS’ proprietary NEULASTIN transcutaneous delivery system, active ingredients are effectively delivered and absorbed into the skin.
Rapid clearance of blackheads, whiteheads and blemishes
Easy to use
Non-oily formula
Gentle on the skin
Improved skin texture
Contains botanical extracts with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and works to rebalance skin conditions and speeds up wound healing.
This product is ideal for: oily and blemish-prone skin, and those susceptible to developing whiteheads and blackheads.
How to use:
Twice daily, apply thinly to the T-zone, oily, and blemish-prone areas, or entire face if necessary, avoiding eyes, nostrils, lips and earlobes.
My thoughts:
I really love this Pore Formula! It helps to keep breakouts at bay and if any pimple does appear due to mask-wearing or hormones imbalance, this helps to speed up the healing process of it.
Upon application, there's a slight tingling sensation that wears off after a few second and it only tingles on areas that has breakouts. The Pore Formula has a pretty strong scent of Tea Tree Oil, so some users might not like it but I'm fine with it!
After a month of usage, there's still 2/3 left in the bottle. So one bottle will last roughly 3 months.
This popular age-defense serum is formulated with a potent form of Vitamin C, coupled with Nobel Prize ‘Fullerenes’ and Tocopheryl to exhibit a superior antioxidant action and strong collagen stimulation — resulting in a ‘wrinkle-free’ effect along with significant skin brightening.
Skin-lightening action — produces an even skin-tone and lightens old acne marks
Anti-acne action
This product is ideal for: all skin types.
How to use:
Apply a small amount evenly onto entire face
My thoughts:
After a month of usage, my skin tone has even out and my face looks more radiant now that people have commented on it. I still have some freckles and discoloration from breakouts that will require a longer timed usage to see if they will fade off, but for now, I'm very pleased with this serum!
I use a pump of this serum each time, twice a day. However, I can't really gauge how much is left in this bottle due to its design but I think there's 1/3 left in this. So, a bottle will probably last me roughly 1 and a half months.
A lightweight and non-greasy moisturizer that’s packed with ingredients specially selected to regulate sebum, control acne, minimize shine and lighten blemish marks. It is also enriched with high potency Vitamin C, E and a gentle Vitamin A derivative that aids in clearing up complexion.
Generous dose of antioxidants to shield skin against environmental aggressors
A synergistic combination of Vitamin C and E to give a balanced complexion
This product is ideal for: oily and/or blemish-prone skin
How to use:
Apply a small amount evenly onto entire face twice daily.
My Thoughts:
A perfect day moisturizer if you have oily T-zone like me, especially for our hot humid climate in Singapore. I was told to use 1 pump of this for Day usage, after the serums and before sun protection. I've been using this daily, and overall, my skin cleared up.
I like that it's not greasy and how light it feels on my skin with the right amount of hydration.
After a month of usage, I'm still left with 2/3 of it. So one bottle will last roughly 3 months.
This creamy formulation works beyond just keeping the skin moisturized. It boasts a powerful curated blend of ingredients that includes essential ceramides, skin-repairing and emollient ingredients to help restore and maintain the natural protective function of the skin’s barrier function, as well as restore damaged skin, leaving skin supple, bouncy and radiant.
Hydrate the skin and leaving skin supple, bouncy and radiant restores the protective barrier function
Evening of skin tone
Improvement in cell turnover, strengthening of skin barrier function, moisturisization, and reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,
Promotes microcirculation and has antioxidant protection
This product is ideal for: all skin types
How to use:
Use this as your last moisturizing step.
Apply a small amount evenly across the face in one single swipe.
Avoid rubbing or massaging it in. It can be applied twice daily or as directed by your skincare professional.
Safe enough to use around delicate eye area.
Always use sun-protection before going outdoors.
Always remember to shake well before use.
My Thoughts:
This is my top favourite product out of the whole listing in this post! It's a creamy formulation but it doesn't feel heavy on the skin and gets absorbed pretty well into the skin quickly. I use this on my neck as well and the deep lines on my neck are not as obvious as before.
I love waking up to this because my skin always look and feel better in the morning.
After a month of usage, I'm still left with a little more than 2/3 of it. So one bottle will last roughly 3-4 months.
OVERALL
All products come with a seal.
The biggest significant improvement from using this skincare products and routine is how healthy my skin looks now. The skin tone is even, my complexion appears to be more radiant and I tend to have lesser breakouts than before (even with mask-wearing).
If I do have a pimple or two, I will quickly dab PF over the spot and it usually heals up within 4 days with minimal scarring.
I also love the effect that MB has on my skin and neck, I started having deep lines on my neck as I approached 30 and secretly regretted not listening to my mum to care for my neck.
I did a video to feature IDS skincare products and how I use them here:
Enjoy!
This review is sponsored, but reviews are based solely on user's experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors.
I decided to split my current IDS Skincare Journey to 2 parts for easier reading, head over here if you missed out the first part!
Now, when it comes to using sun protection, I only started applying them in my teens. Growing up, I was a pretty tanned kid due to all the outdoor swimming lessons & rock climbing. It wasn't until I started working as a nature trail educator that I started applying sunscreen properly. However, I would only apply once, before I leave house, and I don't have the habit of re-applying so I will usually still end up with a tan or sunburn on my nose and cheeks.
Now, I pay the price of my laziness and youthful ignorance~ Hahaha! Drama aside, I think I'm not alone in the search for the best sunscreen for Singapore's climate and now with the need to wear mask. I have oily T-zone and my skin breakouts easily, so I always had a tough time searching for that ideal sunscreen... but I think my search has come to an end with this.
A comparison of S2 and DD in terms of tint and texture before blending out
This sunscreen is an ultra-lightweight daily skin protector that is approved by Skin Cancer Foundation.
With its broad-spectrum, mineral-based sun protection, patented pollution and blue light protection, and an anti-oxidant enhancement, each application is a daily health boost.
Sustainably produced squalane provides natural moisturization and anti-aging benefits while contributing to eco-conscious branding
Sweat-proof: 40-minute water resistance
Paraben-free, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free
Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen protects the skin from 99% of UV radiation
Reduces pollution-induced free radicals
Blocks more than 35% of blue light (HEVL)
This product is ideal for: all skin types
How to use:
Apply a liberal amount onto the entire face evenly, at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure.
Re-apply every 1-2 hours when there is prolonged sun exposure, immediately after towel-drying and/or 30-40 minutes of swimming or sweating.
My thoughts:
I chose this Non-tinted version of their sunscreen because it provides a more mattifying finish compared to the Tinted version. I like how this sunscreen feels like I've applied barely any on my skin and it is easy to blend. It does look scarily white before blending out, but once it is blended, this sunscreen doesn't leave a whitecast ( refer to my video).
I normally apply a little more than a teaspoon amount to cover both my face and neck. After a month of usage, I've used slightly more than 1/3 of the tube only. So one tube should last me about 3 months.
Left: Without any product, Right: With DD, after blending out
A lightweight makeup base that instantly minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores and blemishes, as well as softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making imperfections less obvious, while providing a naturally smooth appearance under any lighting. Works instantly to improve skin tone and reduce redness. Can be applied to the face, hands, neck or any external part of the body.
Universal shade — suitable for most with fair to medium skin tone
Blends seamlessly into skin
This product is ideal for: all skin types, and suitable for fair to medium skin tone
How to use:
Apply to clean face with fingertips or brush and blend well
Layer for additional coverage as needed
My thoughts:
I like how easily this conceals my dark circles and even out the redness of my skin without feeling heavy or greasy. A little goes a long way with this product, I use this when I go to office for work twice a week and the bottle is still pretty much full after a month.
OVERALL
Taking into consideration that I have oily T-zone, both products stay pretty well on my skin. I will still have to retouch it after a few hours if I want my coverage to stay on, but I like how both products feel light on my skin!
If you've read through 2 of the posts on my IDS Journey, thank you!
I hope that you gained some insight to the products and how they might be able to help you in your journey towards healthier skin. I will share more after my second visit!
This review is sponsored, but reviews are based solely on user's experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors.
Hi, I am Jody Liu; a Blogger, a mermaid, and an International Pageant Queen! I love writing about beauty, fashion and food that is mindful about its impacts for the environment. Feel free to leave me a comment or question!
